Military Pressure Continues: “Hamas Is Setting Unacceptable Conditions”
Despite escalating military pressure, Hamas continues to reject Israel's proposals and insists on what officials describe as “unacceptable terms,” government ministers were told in a security briefing on Sunday. Meanwhile, the IDF reports widespread territorial control and the destruction of key terror infrastructure across Gaza.
IDF: Over 1,400 Terrorists Eliminated in Gaza
Since the launch of Operation Gideon’s Chariots, the IDF has eliminated over 1,400 terrorists and taken control of key territories throughout the Gaza Strip. According to the briefing, Israeli forces destroyed dozens of targets, including military buildings, sniper positions, underground tunnels, and weapons depots.
Officials stressed that security forces "will reach every terrorist involved in the October 7 massacre, as well as those currently operating in Gaza to harm Israel, its citizens, and its soldiers.”
On Friday, the IDF eliminated the commander of Hamas’s Daraj-Tuffah Battalion, who played a key role in the October 7 invasion and continued directing attacks during the war. Two senior members of Hamas's internal security force and an Islamic Jihad operative responsible for terror financing in Judea and Samaria were also killed.
The IDF is continuing to investigate a misfired munition that struck Gaza’s Holy Family Church, expressing sorrow and solidarity with the victims and their families.
Hostage Talks: Hamas Refuses Updated Proposal
The political echelon was told that Hamas remains defiant regarding the hostage deal. “While Israel accepted both the Qatari framework and the updated Wirtz proposal, Hamas continues to impose unacceptable conditions,” officials said. Israeli negotiators remain in Doha, pressing for progress.
Syria: Israel Vows to Protect Druze Civilians
The National Public Diplomacy Directorate stated that Israel "will not allow harm to come to Druze communities in Syria and will act to protect them if regime forces fail to withdraw."
Last week, the IDF struck multiple Syrian regime military targets, including the General Staff compound near Damascus, armored vehicles en route to Sweida, weapons depots, and firing positions. Israel continues to monitor developments closely, particularly regarding threats to the Druze population in southern Syria.
Lebanon: Maintaining Deterrence Against Hezbollah
Ministers were told that Israel "will enforce the full terms of the ceasefire agreement with Lebanon, while neutralizing any threats to its sovereignty and civilian safety."
“The government of Lebanon is responsible for everything that happens within its territory,” the briefing stated, adding that Israel will not allow Hezbollah to rebuild or rearm. Over the weekend, two Hezbollah operatives were eliminated as they attempted to restore the group’s capabilities in southern Lebanon.
Yemen: Houthi Threat Persists
Israel also addressed the ongoing threat posed by the Iranian-backed Houthi regime in Yemen.
"Israel will not tolerate repeated attacks from the Houthi terrorist regime, including those that occurred this past weekend. We will continue to defend our sovereignty and citizens with all necessary force," officials said.
The Houthis have been actively targeting Israel and its allies for over 18 months, disrupting maritime security and regional stability at Iran’s direction.
The briefing concluded with a call to the international community to “intensify pressure on Iran and its proxies, whose terrorism threatens both the Middle East and global stability.”